Spiders are common in gardens, homes, and even hidden corners you don’t usually notice. But not all spiders are the same, and some can be helpful while others may be harmful. That’s why learning how to identify spiders is important. In this guide, I’ll help you recognize different types of spiders using clear images and a simple chart.
1. Brown Recluse Spider Identification
The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is one of the most misunderstood yet easily misidentified spiders in the United States. While its light brown color is common among many house spiders, proper identification depends on specific traits—most notably its six eyes, violin-shaped marking, and lack of leg banding. Recognizing these details helps distinguish it from harmless lookalikes.
Appearance
This spider has a smooth, flattened body that ranges from tan to dark brown. One of its most distinctive features is the violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax, with the neck of the “violin” pointing toward the rear. Its legs are long, slim, and uniformly colored, lacking stripes or thick hairs. The body size typically ranges from 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body length ranges from 1/4 to 1/2 inch. With legs, the spider appears larger and more spread out.
- Eyes: Unusually for spiders, it has six eyes arranged in three pairs—one in the front and two on each side.
- Marking: A dark, violin-like shape is visible on the cephalothorax. This marking is clearer in mature spiders.
- Color: The entire body is a consistent tan or brown without any banding or pattern.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are smooth and covered with fine hairs, lacking any visible stripes. It builds irregular webs in hidden areas but does not use them to catch prey.
2. Jumping Spider Identification
Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae and are among the most visually unique spiders found worldwide. Their compact body, large front eyes, and quick, jerky movements make them easy to spot. For proper identification, look at their eye arrangement, body proportions, and behavior. Despite their active nature, they are harmless and even beneficial in gardens and homes.
Appearance
Jumping spiders are typically small, measuring between 1/8 and 3/4 inch in length. They have a stout, compact body with short legs and a fuzzy or velvety texture. Most species are black, gray, or brown, often with iridescent scales or colored markings. Their large, forward-facing central eyes give them excellent vision and a distinctive “curious” look.
Identification Tips
- Size: Small-bodied, generally between 1/8 and 3/4 inch. Their stout shape makes them look compact compared to leggy spiders.
- Eyes: They have eight eyes, with two very large central eyes in front, giving them binocular-like vision. The eye pattern is a primary identification trait.
- Movement: They don’t build webs for catching prey. Instead, they stalk and leap onto their targets. Their quick, jerky movements are distinctive.
- Color: Many are dark-colored (black, brown, or gray), but some have metallic green or blue scales, especially around the chelicerae (mouthparts).
- Legs and Webs: Legs are short and strong for jumping. They spin silk only for draglines, shelter, or egg sacs—not to trap prey.
3. Wolf Spider Identification
Wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) are fast-moving, ground-dwelling hunters often confused with more dangerous species due to their large size and hairy appearance. However, these spiders are harmless to humans and play an important role in controlling insect populations. Correctly identifying a wolf spider involves noting its size, eye arrangement, coloring, and behavior.
Appearance
Wolf spiders have a robust, hairy body that ranges from gray to dark brown, often with subtle striping or mottled patterns across the body and legs. Their eye arrangement is a key feature—eight eyes arranged in three distinct rows, with the middle pair especially large and forward-facing. Adults typically measure between 1/2 inch to over 1 inch in body length, excluding legs.
Identification Tips
- Size: Adult wolf spiders can range from 1/2 inch to over 1 inch in body length. Including legs, they may appear much larger.
- Eyes: Eight eyes arranged in three rows—four small on the bottom, two large in the middle, and two medium-sized on top. The middle pair reflects light.
- Markings: Subtle patterns of brown, gray, or black may form stripes or spots, especially on the cephalothorax and abdomen.
- Color: Generally brown, gray, or black with earthy tones that help them camouflage in natural surroundings.
- Legs and Webs: Strong, spiny legs adapted for fast movement. Wolf spiders do not build webs to trap prey; instead, they actively hunt on the ground.
4. Garden Spider Identification
Garden spiders (genus Argiope), often called orb-weavers, are known for their striking appearance and large, wheel-shaped webs. These spiders are beneficial for gardens as they trap and feed on various flying pests. They are easily recognized by their bold patterns and web design.
Appearance
Garden spiders have a large, rounded abdomen with bright yellow, black, or white markings, depending on the species. Their legs are long and often banded with black and yellow. The females are significantly larger than the males, sometimes exceeding 1 inch in body length.
Identification Tips
- Size: Females can reach up to 1 inch in body length; males are much smaller, often around 1/4 inch.
- Eyes: Eight small eyes arranged in two curved rows.
- Markings: Bright yellow and black patterns on the abdomen, often forming symmetrical or jagged designs.
- Color: Yellow, black, white, or orange depending on species; legs are often striped.
- Legs and Webs: Long, spiny legs with noticeable banding. They build large orb webs with a zigzag stabilimentum in the center.
5. House Spider Identification
House spiders (often Parasteatoda tepidariorum) are the most common indoor spiders, frequently spotted in corners and ceilings. While generally harmless, their bites are sometimes mistaken for more dangerous species. Knowing how to identify both the spider and the bite can prevent unnecessary panic.
Appearance
The common house spider is small with a round abdomen that varies in color from dirty white to brown, sometimes with darker patterns. Its legs are long and thin, often slightly translucent or pale.
Identification Tips
- Size: Typically ranges from 3/16 to 5/16 inch in body length.
- Eyes: Eight eyes arranged in two rows, not easily distinguishable without magnification.
- Markings: Abdominal patterns may include chevrons or spots, but often appear blurred.
- Color: Yellowish brown, grayish, or tan with no bold or bright coloring.
- Legs and Webs: Long, slender legs. Builds messy cobweb-style webs in corners or unused spaces.
6. Hobo Spider Identification
The hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis) is a fast-running, funnel-weaving spider that often causes concern due to its mistaken association with dangerous bites. However, it is generally not aggressive and can be identified by its dull coloring and web structure.
Appearance
Hobo spiders have a brown body with subtle chevron markings on the abdomen. They lack distinct color contrasts, making them appear plain compared to other house spiders. Their legs are long and hairy but uniformly colored without banding.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body length ranges from 1/3 to 2/3 inch; leg span up to 1.5 inches.
- Eyes: Eight eyes arranged in two horizontal rows.
- Markings: Slightly darker chevron-shaped patterns on the upper abdomen.
- Color: Overall light to medium brown with no bright or shiny areas.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are long and unbanded. Builds funnel-shaped webs near foundations, under decks, or in basements.
7. Black Widow Spider Identification
Black widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.) are among the most recognizable spiders due to their shiny black body and iconic red hourglass marking. Though their venom is potent, they are shy and rarely bite unless disturbed.
Appearance
The female black widow has a glossy black, rounded body and a distinct red or orange hourglass shape on the underside of her abdomen. Males are smaller and lighter-colored, often with white or red spots.
Identification Tips
- Size: Adult females are about 1/2 inch in body length (1.5 inches with legs); males are much smaller.
- Eyes: Eight small eyes grouped tightly together, usually difficult to see without magnification.
- Markings: Bright red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen.
- Color: Shiny jet black; juveniles and males may have lighter colors or spots.
- Legs and Webs: Slender, long legs. Spins messy, irregular webs in dark, undisturbed areas such as garages, sheds, and crawl spaces.
8. Joro Spider Identification
The Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) is a brightly colored orb-weaver originally native to East Asia but now spreading in parts of the southeastern United States. It stands out due to its striking yellow and blue markings and large web structures, making it relatively easy to identify.
Appearance
Female Joro spiders are large and colorful, featuring a bright yellow body with blue-gray and black bands across the abdomen. Their legs are long, with alternating yellow and dark blue stripes. Males are much smaller and duller in color.
Identification Tips
- Size: Females can reach nearly 1 inch in body length, with a leg span of up to 4 inches; males are tiny in comparison.
- Eyes: Eight eyes arranged in two curved rows, typical of orb-weavers.
- Markings: Bold yellow and bluish-black bands across the abdomen; some may also show red near the underside.
- Color: Bright yellow, black, and bluish-gray, making them one of the most vividly colored spiders in their range.
- Legs and Webs: Long, banded legs. Spins very large, strong orb-shaped webs often found on trees, porches, or utility poles.
9. Funnel Spider Web Identification
Funnel spiders are not a single species but a group that includes several types such as grass spiders (Agelenidae) and the infamous funnel-web spiders from Australia. These spiders are identified less by appearance and more by the unique shape of their webs.
Appearance
Most funnel-web builders have a brown or gray body with subtle patterns and long spinnerets at the rear. Their appearance varies by species, but their web design is a consistent identifying factor.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body size typically ranges from 1/2 to 1 inch; leg span may extend up to 2 inches.
- Eyes: Eight eyes in two rows, though their web placement makes close inspection uncommon.
- Markings: Often indistinct patterns or striping on the body or cephalothorax.
- Color: Generally brown, tan, or gray with low contrast.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are built for speed, often with spines. They create sheet-like horizontal webs with a narrow funnel-shaped retreat where the spider hides and waits for prey.
10. Black and Orange Spider Identification
Black and orange spiders can refer to several species, but one of the most common is the Marbled Orb-Weaver (Araneus marmoreus). These spiders are known for their vivid orange coloring and unique marbled patterns. They’re most often spotted in wooded areas, gardens, or around homes during fall.
Appearance
Marbled orb-weavers have a large, rounded abdomen that ranges in color from bright orange to yellow, often with black or dark brown marbled markings. Their legs may also display banded coloring with orange and black or reddish tones.
Identification Tips
- Size: Females grow up to 3/4 inch in body length; males are smaller.
- Eyes: Eight eyes arranged in two curved rows.
- Markings: Marble-like black or brown markings over a bright orange or yellow abdomen.
- Color: Orange or yellow with contrasting dark patterns; legs are often striped with orange and black.
- Legs and Webs: Long, spiny legs with color banding. Spins large orb-shaped webs between trees or along fences and sheds.
11. Brown Spider Identification
The term “brown spider” can refer to many species, including common house spiders, wolf spiders, and even the brown recluse. Because of the wide variety, identifying a brown spider depends heavily on its markings, body shape, and web behavior.
Appearance
Brown spiders typically have a neutral tan to dark brown body with either plain coloring or faint patterns. They range in size and hairiness, with some appearing glossy and others more textured. Their appearance varies by species, so close inspection is needed.
Identification Tips
- Size: Can range from 1/8 inch (small house spiders) to over 1 inch (large wolf spiders).
- Eyes: Eye arrangements vary—some have 6, most have 8.
- Markings: Some are solid brown; others may have faint striping or chevron-like patterns.
- Color: Usually light tan to dark brown; color is typically uniform or subtly patterned.
- Legs and Webs: Legs may be smooth or hairy, depending on the species. Web styles vary—some build messy cobwebs, while others don’t use webs to catch prey at all.
12. Yellow Spider Identification
Yellow spiders are most commonly represented by species like the Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) and the Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium spp.). These spiders are often seen on flowers or inside homes, and their pale to bright yellow color makes them stand out from typical house spiders.
Appearance
Depending on the species, yellow spiders can appear pale lemon to bright golden yellow. The goldenrod crab spider has a rounded body with crab-like legs and can change its color slightly to blend in with flowers. The yellow sac spider is more slender and active indoors, especially at night.
Identification Tips
- Size: Ranges from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch in body length.
- Eyes: Eight small eyes in two rows, often difficult to see without magnification.
- Markings: Crab spiders may have faint red lines or dots on the sides; yellow sac spiders usually lack clear markings.
- Color: Pale yellow, lemon, or golden; some species may appear almost white or greenish.
- Legs and Webs: Long, thin legs. Yellow sac spiders don’t build webs to trap prey but create silken sacs in corners or under leaves to rest.
13. Translucent Spider Identification
Translucent spiders are often small species that appear almost see-through, especially in natural light. Common examples include cellar spiders (Pholcidae) and young or newly molted spiders that haven’t developed full pigmentation. These spiders are typically harmless and delicate in structure.
Appearance
These spiders usually have a pale cream, off-white, or glassy appearance. Their internal organs may be partially visible through the abdomen. Their body is fragile-looking, with long, thin legs and small heads.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body length is usually between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch.
- Eyes: Most have eight eyes, but the arrangement can vary by species.
- Markings: Usually no distinct markings; body appears semi-transparent.
- Color: Pale beige, cream, off-white, or faint gray; they appear nearly invisible in dim light.
- Legs and Webs: Long, delicate legs. Builds fine, irregular cobwebs in ceilings, basements, or corners.
14. Spider Mite Identification
Spider mites are not true spiders but are tiny arachnids that resemble them in basic anatomy. They’re major agricultural pests known for damaging houseplants, gardens, and crops. Despite their name, they are more related to ticks than spiders and are often visible only under magnification.
Appearance
Spider mites are extremely small—often just 1/50 inch long—and typically go unnoticed until they infest plants. They can appear red, yellow, green, or brown depending on species and stage. Under a magnifying glass, they look like tiny round-bodied creatures with short legs.
Identification Tips
- Size: Extremely small—about 0.4 mm (1/50 inch); barely visible to the naked eye.
- Eyes: Two simple eyes; not easily visible without magnification.
- Markings: Vary depending on species; some show dark spots on the body.
- Color: Red, green, yellow, brown, or translucent; often seen in clusters.
- Legs and Webs: Eight short legs. They produce fine silk webs, especially on the underside of leaves where they feed and lay eggs.
15. Large Black and Yellow Spider Identification
The most recognizable large black and yellow spider in North America is the Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia), also known as the writing spider. These striking orb-weavers are known for their dramatic coloring and huge, circular webs often spun near human dwellings.
Appearance
The yellow garden spider has a bold black body with vibrant yellow patches on the abdomen. Its legs are long and banded with black and orange or yellow. Females are notably larger than males and spend much of their time sitting at the center of their web.
Identification Tips
- Size: Females reach up to 1 inch in body length, with leg spans over 3 inches; males are much smaller.
- Eyes: Eight eyes in two rows; not a key visual feature without close inspection.
- Markings: Bright yellow patches on a shiny black abdomen, often with symmetrical patterns.
- Color: Distinct black and yellow coloration with some orange on the legs.
- Legs and Webs: Long, banded legs. Spins large orb webs with a noticeable zigzag (stabilimentum) in the center.
16. Bright Yellow Spider Identification
Bright yellow spiders are often seen in gardens, fields, and flower beds, where their vivid color helps them camouflage among blossoms. A well-known example is the Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia), famous for its ability to change color slightly between white and yellow. These spiders are not dangerous and are often admired for their beauty.
Appearance
Goldenrod crab spiders have a rounded, smooth body and crab-like legs that extend outward. Their bright yellow color matches the flowers they sit on, such as goldenrod, daisies, or sunflowers. Some individuals may have reddish lines or markings on the sides of the abdomen.
Identification Tips
- Size: Adult females can reach about 3/8 inch in body length; males are much smaller.
- Eyes: Eight small eyes arranged in two curved rows.
- Markings: May have thin red or orange lines along the sides of the abdomen; some are completely bright yellow.
- Color: Vivid yellow, often glossy. Some can change between white and yellow depending on the flower they sit on.
- Legs and Webs: Legs extend sideways like a crab. They don’t build traditional webs but ambush prey while sitting motionless on flowers.
17. Texas Brown Spider Identification
The term “Texas brown spider” is often used to describe brown spiders commonly found in Texas, particularly the brown recluse and other harmless brown species like false recluses or wandering spiders. Since many brown spiders share similar traits, identification focuses on size, markings, and especially eye arrangement.
Appearance
Texas brown spiders usually have a smooth, brown body and long, slender legs. The most well-known, the brown recluse, features a violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax. However, not all brown spiders in Texas have this marking, making identification tricky. Their color ranges from pale tan to chocolate brown, and they are typically medium-sized.
Identification Tips
- Size: Generally 1/4 to 1/2 inch in body length, with a longer leg span.
- Eyes: Key differentiator—brown recluse has six eyes in pairs; most others have eight.
- Marking: Brown recluse has a violin-shaped mark; other brown spiders may have spots, stripes, or no markings at all.
- Color: Solid brown or tan without contrasting patterns on legs or body.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are long and plain, without banding. Builds irregular, hidden webs or none at all (wandering types).
18. Large Florida Spider Identification Chart
Large spiders in Florida often refer to the golden silk orb-weaver (banana spider) or the huntsman spider. These spiders can appear intimidating due to their size but are generally harmless. Proper identification focuses on body color, web style, and leg orientation.
Appearance
Golden silk orb-weavers are large, with long, slender legs and bright yellow to orange bodies. The females are particularly large, and their abdomens are elongated. Huntsman spiders are wide, flat, and fast-moving with a crab-like stance. Both species can have a leg span of up to 5 inches or more.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body length 1 to 2 inches; leg spans can exceed 4 to 5 inches.
- Eyes: Eight eyes in typical spider arrangement; not the main ID trait here.
- Marking: Golden orb-weavers have yellow spots or streaks; huntsman spiders are more muted with faint markings or none.
- Color: Bright yellow, orange, or brown, depending on the species. Huntsman spiders are usually pale tan or grayish.
- Legs and Webs: Orb-weavers have long, banded legs and build large circular webs. Huntsman spiders have thick, sideways-splayed legs and do not build webs for prey.
19. Common House Spider Identification
The common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is a frequent indoor resident found in corners, ceilings, garages, and basements. Though easily overlooked, proper identification focuses on its web style, small size, and dull brown or grayish coloring with faint patterns.
Appearance
These spiders are small, with a rounded abdomen and thin legs. Their coloring is usually dull brown, tan, or gray with faint mottled or spotted patterns. Their legs may appear semi-translucent or slightly darker toward the joints. They are often spotted near their messy cobwebs.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body length ranges from 3/16 to 5/16 inch, not including legs.
- Eyes: Eight eyes arranged in two curved rows; typical for cobweb spiders.
- Marking: Subtle spotted or blotchy pattern on the abdomen. Not vivid or sharply defined.
- Color: Brown to gray with a mottled, somewhat dusty appearance. Legs may be lighter or banded.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are thin and delicate. Builds irregular cobwebs in corners, behind furniture, and under window sills.
20. Southern House Spider Identification
The southern house spider (Kukulcania hibernalis) is often mistaken for the brown recluse due to its color and body shape. However, it is harmless and more commonly seen in southern U.S. states. Identification depends on its eye pattern, body size, and silk webbing behavior.
Appearance
Southern house spiders have a long, flat body and long legs. Males are slender and more active, while females are larger and remain hidden in silk retreats. Their body color ranges from charcoal gray to light brown. They appear velvety, with thick, sturdy legs.
Identification Tips
- Size: Females are larger (up to 3/4 inch body); males are smaller and thinner.
- Eyes: Eight closely grouped eyes arranged in a tight cluster.
- Marking: No violin-shaped mark. Color is solid and consistent, often without noticeable patterns.
- Color: Uniform brown to dark gray with a dull, fuzzy texture.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are thick and long, more robust in females. Builds dense silk retreats in crevices, window corners, and cracks.
21. Orb Weaver Spider Identification
“Orb weaver” refers to a large family of spiders (Araneidae) known for spinning classic, wheel-shaped webs. They are common in gardens, forests, and around homes. Identification relies heavily on web structure, body shape, and bold coloration.
Appearance
Orb weavers vary widely in appearance but generally have a large, rounded abdomen and relatively short, strong legs. Their colors range from dull brown to vibrant yellow, red, or orange, depending on the species. They often hang head-down in the center of their symmetrical orb web.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body length ranges from 1/4 to over 1 inch, depending on the species.
- Eyes: Eight eyes, typically in two rows, although not usually used for ID.
- Marking: Many species have bold patterns—stripes, spots, or geometric shapes—on the abdomen.
- Color: Wide range, including black, brown, yellow, orange, and red. Some are brightly patterned.
- Legs and Webs: Legs may be banded or spiny. Spins large, round orb webs in open spaces between plants, fences, or buildings.
22. Daddy Long Legs Spider Identification
Often called “daddy long legs,” the cellar spider (Pholcidae family) is commonly found in basements, ceilings, and undisturbed corners. It is often confused with harvestmen, but cellar spiders are true spiders. Identification focuses on extremely long legs, web style, and body shape.
Appearance
Cellar spiders have small, elongated bodies and extremely long, thin legs. Their bodies are pale gray, tan, or translucent. They’re typically seen hanging upside down in their messy webs and may vibrate rapidly when disturbed.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body is small—1/8 to 1/4 inch—but leg span can be up to 2 inches.
- Eyes: Usually eight eyes arranged in two groups of three and two smaller lateral eyes.
- Marking: Little to no distinct body markings. Occasionally a darker area on the cephalothorax.
- Color: Pale gray, cream, or translucent with thin legs that may appear silvery.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are very long and thin. Builds irregular, tangled webs in corners or ceilings, often in groups.
21. Orb Weaver Spider Identification
“Orb weaver” refers to a large family of spiders (Araneidae) known for spinning classic, wheel-shaped webs. They are common in gardens, forests, and around homes. Identification relies heavily on web structure, body shape, and bold coloration.
Appearance
Orb weavers vary widely in appearance but generally have a large, rounded abdomen and relatively short, strong legs. Their colors range from dull brown to vibrant yellow, red, or orange, depending on the species. They often hang head-down in the center of their symmetrical orb web.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body length ranges from 1/4 to over 1 inch, depending on the species.
- Eyes: Eight eyes, typically in two rows, although not usually used for ID.
- Marking: Many species have bold patterns—stripes, spots, or geometric shapes—on the abdomen.
- Color: Wide range, including black, brown, yellow, orange, and red. Some are brightly patterned.
- Legs and Webs: Legs may be banded or spiny. Spins large, round orb webs in open spaces between plants, fences, or buildings.
22. Daddy Long Legs Spider Identification
Often called “daddy long legs,” the cellar spider (Pholcidae family) is commonly found in basements, ceilings, and undisturbed corners. It is often confused with harvestmen, but cellar spiders are true spiders. Identification focuses on extremely long legs, web style, and body shape.
Appearance
Cellar spiders have small, elongated bodies and extremely long, thin legs. Their bodies are pale gray, tan, or translucent. They’re typically seen hanging upside down in their messy webs and may vibrate rapidly when disturbed.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body is small—1/8 to 1/4 inch—but leg span can be up to 2 inches.
- Eyes: Usually eight eyes arranged in two groups of three and two smaller lateral eyes.
- Marking: Little to no distinct body markings. Occasionally a darker area on the cephalothorax.
- Color: Pale gray, cream, or translucent with thin legs that may appear silvery.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are very long and thin. Builds irregular, tangled webs in corners or ceilings, often in groups.
23. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver Identification
The golden silk orb-weaver (Trichonephila clavipes, formerly Nephila) is famous for its large size and golden-colored silk. Found in the southeastern United States, Central America, and the tropics, it is often seen in forests and gardens during late summer and fall. Identification is based on its size, coloration, and dramatic web.
Appearance
Females are very large, with long, spindly legs and elongated abdomens featuring yellow, orange, and white patterns. The cephalothorax is often silver or cream-colored. Males are much smaller and darker, often hard to notice. The spider’s silk has a golden hue when viewed in sunlight.
Identification Tips
- Size: Females have body lengths of 1 to 2 inches, with leg spans up to 4–5 inches. Males are under 1/2 inch.
- Eyes: Eight eyes, not used prominently for ID.
- Marking: Yellow to orange markings on a darker background; patterns vary but are vivid.
- Color: Yellow, orange, white, and black with glossy textures.
- Legs and Webs: Long, black legs with orange joints. Builds very large, strong, golden-colored orb webs between trees and shrubs.
24. Redback Spider Identification
The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is native to Australia and closely related to the black widow. It is small but highly recognizable due to the distinctive red stripe on its black body. Identification focuses on its compact body shape and bold color contrast.
Appearance
Redback spiders have a rounded, glossy black body with a prominent red or orange stripe running down the middle of the abdomen. Females are larger and more easily identified than males, which are small and less vividly marked. They often hide in low, sheltered spaces and produce messy cobwebs.
Identification Tips
- Size: Female body length is about 3/8 inch; males are tiny, often 1/8 inch or less.
- Eyes: Eight small eyes in standard layout; not key for ID.
- Marking: Red to orange longitudinal stripe on the top of the abdomen. Some may have additional red under the abdomen.
- Color: Glossy black overall, with bright red markings that stand out sharply.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are thin and long, usually black. Builds tangled, irregular webs in dark corners, under rocks, or around sheds and debris.
25. Trapdoor Spider Identification
Trapdoor spiders are part of several families, including Ctenizidae and Idiopidae, and are named for the camouflaged burrows they build with hinged “trapdoors.” These spiders are rarely seen above ground, but identification is based on their thick body, powerful jaws, and burrowing behavior.
Appearance
Trapdoor spiders are robust, dark brown to black spiders with shiny, hard-looking bodies. Their cephalothorax and legs are smooth and sometimes glossy, while their abdomen is usually velvety. They have short legs compared to web-building spiders, and their large chelicerae (fangs) are prominent and strong.
Identification Tips
- Size: Ranges from 1/2 to 1.5 inches in body length, depending on species.
- Eyes: Eight small eyes arranged in a compact group on the front of the head.
- Marking: Typically unmarked, though body may appear segmented or glossy.
- Color: Solid dark brown to black. Some species may be reddish-brown.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are thick and strong, adapted for digging. No web for catching prey—builds burrows with a trapdoor and ambushes prey.
26. Six-Eyed Sand Spider Identification
The six-eyed sand spider (Sicarius spp.) is a reclusive, flat-bodied spider found in deserts of southern Africa. It is related to the recluse spider and is recognized for its six eyes, sand-colored body, and tendency to bury itself for camouflage. It is rarely encountered by humans.
Appearance
This spider has a wide, flattened body that allows it to blend into sandy environments. Its legs are laterally spread, crab-like in appearance, and its coloring matches desert sand tones—often beige, light brown, or gray. The body and legs are often covered in fine hairs and particles of sand.
Identification Tips
- Size: Body length ranges from 0.5 to 1 inch, with legs spreading wider.
- Eyes: Has six eyes arranged in three pairs—key to distinguishing it from most spiders.
- Marking: No distinct markings. Body appears grainy, sandy, or rough.
- Color: Pale beige, dusty gray, or light brown to blend with sand.
- Legs and Webs: Legs are flat and spread sideways. Does not build webs—buries itself slightly under sand and ambushes prey.
